“Playing with Zidane, Lizarazu and Gourcuff was amazing,” stand-up comedian Nordine Ganso shared the pitch with his idols.

“Football has long occupied a large part of my life. As a kid growing up in Cenon, near Bordeaux, I imagined myself as a professional. I was a left winger, with a good left foot. I played for Cenon, in Regional 1, until I was 17. But I quickly realized that I didn't have the talent, nor the desire to make the necessary sacrifices to break through. I was a substitute, number 15. Much to the despair of my father, a die-hard football fan. I gave it all up for stand-up, and I don't regret it. My little brother Yannis, who was really good, continued up to CFA2 with Stade Bordelais.

The Girondins are my favorite club in France, even if it has become difficult to support this team, which is living a nightmare (with its relegation to National 2). In May 2024, for the 100th anniversary of Parc Lescure , which became the Chaban-Delmas stadium, I was invited to participate in the gala match in the team of former Bordeaux legends: Zidane, Lizarazu, Chamakh, Gourcuff, Mavuba. It was crazy to be among these great players! There was a crazy atmosphere. I dribbled past Claude Puel to make an assist on the last goal...

Since I was little, I've been an Arsenal fan. My father introduced me to this team, which had lots of French players, including Thierry Henry, my idol. I've never let go. For the past five years, I've been going to the Emirates as often as possible. I was there for both matches against PSG in the Champions League this year, in the group stage and then the semi-finals . I'll probably go there even more this season: I'm talking to Canal+ to create digital content for them. I'm lucky enough to be regularly invited by William Saliba. We connected via TikTok when he found out I was a supporter. Thanks to him and other players, I have a collection of around fifty Gunners shirts.

With my job, I meet a lot of footballers. They come to see my show, follow me on social media. They like stand-up, I like football, we're the same age. They have a very simple life at home, like me. Some are real friends I can count on. Rio Mavuba is like an uncle, Benoît Costil is like a big brother. I'm also very connected with Khéphren Thuram or Manu Koné. Some are very funny, like Adil Rami of course. Kylian Mbappé too. I met him once, he made me laugh because he was so light and very spontaneous, far from his public image. It must be difficult to be constantly scrutinized like him.

Thanks to Jonathan Ikoné, I went to see a Fiorentina match. Since I made purple my favorite color in 2020, I've been closely following the results of the Viola and other teams that play in purple. I picked up an Anderlecht jersey while performing in Brussels. There's also Toulouse, but they're Bordeaux's enemy, so I avoid watching...

On stage, as in life, I wear a tracksuit because I like to be able to move freely. It's a change from the basic stand-up outfit of a black t-shirt and jeans. Since January, I've even had a contract with Adidas. I talk about football a little in my show, but I can't imagine writing a whole show on the subject. It would be too exclusive. A lot of girls come to see me, I don't want to lose them!